(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Aug. 19, 2009.)
Three young, dynamic, local musicians will be onstage at the Algonquin Theatre on Friday, Aug. 21, for what will undoubtedly be an eclectic evening of music. Headlining the show will be Karl Mohr, who, along with Eric Reid, opened for Hawksley Workman during his 2008 summer show.
Mohr grew up in Chisholm, a small town located north of Huntsville, and attended Almaguin Highlands Secondary School before heading off to Queen’s University. He later worked as a sound editor in Vienna, lived in Huntsville from 2005 to 2008, and is now working as a film sound editor in Toronto. His love of music, both playing and creating, has resulted in the creation of his band The Fallen Angels.
“We are self-proclaimed dark wave or goth rock,” says Mohr, adding that the band’s music has evolved from industrial sounds to be more intelligent, searching and creative. “It’s heavy and moody and explores different areas. It wants to know and asks questions like, ‘Are you aware? Are you sexual? Are you happy with your life?’ It’s one hour of very intense music.” He says his music hopes to explore new territory and is not easily relegated into slots.
Joining Mohr and the Angels on drums for this show will be another well-known Huntsville artist, Jeremy Munce. Opening for The Fallen Angels will be Huntsville songstress Ruth Cassie and her band Ivan Blackbird.
Cassie has toured with Hawksley Workman and created a lot of buzz on her own with her powerhouse ethereal vocals, plunky percussive and delicate piano playing, as well as poetically crafted lyrics. In addition to performing at venues throughout the area and in Toronto, Cassie has been involved in a number of smaller, intimate house concerts at private residences throughout Huntsville. Although, at times, her music is at a polar opposite to Mohr’s darker techno beats, the two have collaborated on a number of CDs and recordings.
Kicking off the evening will be another local boy, Eric Reid, and his musical muse, Laugh Out Loud, which can include up to six musicians. The group’s music is indie pop, with catchy beats and both insightful and irreverent lyrics. His listing on MySpace suggests he writes songs about “goats and parchment and oil on ducks,” so it’s apparent that Reid does not take himself too seriously. His music, however, has a growing following and wide appeal.
A presentation of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts, the evening may seem like quite a break from their more conventional offerings. General manager Rob Saunders acknowledges this but adds, “We often talk about encouraging young artists, to both give them a voice and to encourage new patrons for both the theatre and the festival. However, in practice our focus is normally on more conventional artistic streams, such as through the high school music department or the local music and dance organizations. These three artists all have local ties and deserve a chance to perform in their home theatre. I think it will be a unique evening of excellent music and I challenge the 18 to 35-year-olds who have never been in the theatre to come out to the show. We would love a full house.”
Tickets are available at the Main Street box office, by calling 789-4975 or online at www.algonquintheatre.ca.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Dylan Tree performance celebrates words and music of acclaimed songwriter Bob Dylan
(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Aug. 12, 2009.)
By Gillian Brunette
“Great show,” “Terrific band,” “Wonderful music,” and “You must bring them back.”Those were just some of the words heard from departing patrons following the Dylan Tree concert at the Algonquin Theatre in January.
That was the first time the group had performed here and few people knew what to expect. By intermission, the audience not only knew, they were impressed. By concert’s end, they were standing up and shouting for more.
The Huntsville Festival of the Arts has listened to the demand for more Dylan Tree and is bringing the band back this Friday, Aug. 14, as part of its summer lineup. Dylan Tree is a celebration of the words and music of one of the world’s greatest songwriters, Bob Dylan, said guitarist and band founder Richard Kahl. “We are not a tribute band. We prefer to call our show a celebration of the Bob Dylan songbook.”
ROOTS MUSIC: Drummer Doug Inglis, left, and Dylan Tree founder and guitarist Richard Kahl stop for a photo in the upstairs lobby of the Algonquin Theatre. The five-piece band takes to the stage Friday, Aug. 14, at 8 p.m.
The Dylan Tree, featuring five well-known Toronto musicians, has put together its own retrospective of the Bob Dylan catalogue. The show features material spanning Dylan’s career from the 1960s to the present. Some of the songs are presented in the style of the popular original recordings (Like a Rolling Stone, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door), others in the style of well-known covers, such as Tambourine Man, All Along the Watch Tower, Blowin’ in the Wind, Simple Twist of Fate and The Mighty Quinn.
“Each of the players share lead and background vocals and the emphasis is always on letting the songs speak for themselves, not on a Bob Dylan impersonator,” said Kahl, whose idea it was to form the band. The Dylan Tree consists of Matt Greenwood, who has played with Murray McLaughlin and Shania Twain; Martin Aucoin, who has performed with Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson and George Straight; Doug Inglis, who plays with Classic Albums Live; and Paul Martin, who has toured with Bo Diddley, and Kahl, also a regular musician with Classic Albums Live.
With a large screen and video backdrop, creative lighting and risers, which form a second tier on the stage, the visuals are impressive and create a 3D effect. “The show within a show within a show was basically the effect we tried to achieve when we designed it,” said Kahl. “In a theatre setting (as opposed to a dance club or bar), you have to have the visuals, because five guys playing tunes after 20 minutes can get boring.”
While the show may look the same, some of the content has changed since the January performance. “It won’t be a carbon of that show,” Kahl said.
The Dylan Tree’s first official gig was in Toronto in 2006 on May 24, Dylan’s birthday. Since that time the band has played in and around the Toronto area and, since coming here, has performed in Markham, which was filmed as a one-hour special for the Sun TV network, and at a couple of blues festivals in southern Ontario.
“We have also produced a DVD/CD package of our full concert we did in Muskoka, which will be released in mid-September,” said Inglis. “The proceeds of that are going to the Wounded Warriors, a charity that takes care of the troops when they come home, whatever shape they are in.” Through the association with the charity and its founder Canadian Forces’ Capt. Wayne Johnston, the band is hoping to go to Afghanistan in the near future to entertain the troops.
It would seem the Dylan Tree is headed toward success. Even those who don’t particularly like Dylan as a singer love his songs, said Inglis, who has watched the beat poet perform at least a dozen times.
With some of the best songs of all time performed by a talented band, Dylan Tree provides a great evening of entertainment. Tickets for the show are $30 for adults and $20 for youth under 18, and are available at the theatre box office on Main Street, by calling 789-4975, or online at www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca.
Enjoy a memorable evening of classic music
(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Aug. 12, 2009.)
A very special tribute evening is planned for Thursday, Aug. 13, at the Algonquin Theatre in memory of one of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts co-founders.
The world-famous ensemble the Alcan String Quartet will be performing as part of the Huntsville festival’s 17th season. The quartet has developed a reputation for excellence throughout Canada and internationally since its formation over 16 years ago. The quartet’s originality, contagious enthusiasm, unique sonority and remarkable cohesion have all contributed to its long-term success. Critics agree that, both on stage and in the recording studio, the Alcan Quartet possesses the qualities that characterize the best ensembles of its kind: a recognizable personality, homogeneous sound and elegant style.
The evening is being dedicated to the memory of festival co-founder Susan Alberghini, who died earlier this year. Alberghini’s vision and dedication to the nurturing and development of the arts was instrumental in ensuring the success of the festival in its early years. With the addition of a general manager position in 1996, Alberghini continued to provide programming, media and sponsorship advice to the board and was a frequent visitor to the area to enjoy performances during the summer months.
In earlier years, Alberghini studied and worked at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, on a Fulbright Scholarship from Syracuse University. Alberghini’s uncommon appreciation of art and music led her to open a consulting practice in arts administration that she ran successfully for many years. For the last several years, Alberghini had been the executive director of the Guild of Canadian Film Composers. She was a long-time protégé of Dr. Kenneth G. Mills and, at the time of her death, was the president of the Kenneth G. Mills Foundation.
While in Italy, Alberghini met her husband Pier Paolo Alberghini, who survives her, and has joined with the Mills Foundation to co-sponsor the evening’s performance. As a special request, the Alcan Quartet will be performing Borodin’s String Quartet #2 in D major, a piece of music that was played at Alberghini’s wedding.
In addition to this piece, the quartet will perform works from Mozart, Evangelista and Annunziata in what promises to be a great evening of classical excellence. The ensemble’s list of accomplishments is impressive: close to 1,000 concerts; over 100 live radio broadcasts (Radio Canada, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, National Public Radio in the USA, and Radio France); numerous television appearances; tours throughout North America, Europe, Asia and a number of commissioned pieces and first performances.
In addition to its performing career, the quartet is regularly invited to give master classes at universities, conservatories and summer chamber music institutes. The Alcan Quartet is based in Chicoutimi, Québec, where it receives the unconditional support of the Orchestre Symphonique du Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. The quartet takes its name from its principal patron, the multinational aluminum company Alcan. The quartet also receives support from the Conseil des Arts et des Lettres du Québec and the Canada Council for the Arts.
Tickets for the performance are available at the box office by calling 789-4975 or online at www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Hearn pays tribute to town with new song
(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Aug. 5, 2009.)
The keyboardist for Canadian band Barenaked Ladies spent his childhood summers at the family cottage near Novar. He is teaming up with Huntsville’s own Hawksley Workman for a show at the Algonquin Theatre on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Hearn, who has just released his fifth solo album, Havana Winter, has paid tribute to Huntsville with a new song titled Huntsville.ca. Hearn told the Forester he is looking forward to his upcoming show with Workman, as it is bringing the two talented musicians back to their roots. “Hawksley and I are old pals,” says Hearn. “We used to fight over the last cups of worms at the Novar store.”
While Hawksley will be showcasing tunes from his recent CD Between the Beautifuls, Hearn will be performing with his band Thinbuckle. Hearn says, when Hawksley offered him the chance to join forces and do a show together, he jumped at the opportunity. “About four years ago, I played at the Algonquin Theatre with the Rheo Statics,” he says. “I’ve been going (to Huntsville) so long I remember it before there was an Algonquin Theatre and Main Street was the main street and that was it. My family always had a cottage there so, as soon as I had money, I bought my own. I even spend some time up there in the winter.”
Hearn’s appreciation for peace and quiet, not to mention the beauty that surrounds his Muskoka cottage, was the inspiration behind him writing Huntsville.ca, a song featured on his new album. To pay homage to a town he loves, he will be performing the song at the theatre on Aug. 12.
“I wasn’t going to call it Huntsville.ca because I didn’t feel it needed to be a certain place, but then I thought why not,” explains Hearn. “Anyone who lives in Huntsville knows it’s a different place in the winter than it is in the summer. I started the song based on the perspective of someone who lives there and sees the town change drastically from season to season. The third verse is about fair-weather friends when the weather is sunny and bright.”
Hearn has been part of the Barenaked Ladies since they formed 14 years ago. Over the years, he has also played on albums by CanRock royalty such as The Tragically Hip, Broken Social Scene and Ron Sexsmith. His solo CD has been defined as having the innocence of '60s pop and the wry wit of Randy Newman.
“I’m thrilled and very excited,” Hearn says of his upcoming show. “I really enjoy working with Hawksley and I’m grateful to him for extending an invitation to share the stage with him. Maybe now I’ll get recognized in Huntsville at last.”
By Laura MacLean
The keyboardist for Canadian band Barenaked Ladies spent his childhood summers at the family cottage near Novar. He is teaming up with Huntsville’s own Hawksley Workman for a show at the Algonquin Theatre on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Hearn, who has just released his fifth solo album, Havana Winter, has paid tribute to Huntsville with a new song titled Huntsville.ca. Hearn told the Forester he is looking forward to his upcoming show with Workman, as it is bringing the two talented musicians back to their roots. “Hawksley and I are old pals,” says Hearn. “We used to fight over the last cups of worms at the Novar store.”
While Hawksley will be showcasing tunes from his recent CD Between the Beautifuls, Hearn will be performing with his band Thinbuckle. Hearn says, when Hawksley offered him the chance to join forces and do a show together, he jumped at the opportunity. “About four years ago, I played at the Algonquin Theatre with the Rheo Statics,” he says. “I’ve been going (to Huntsville) so long I remember it before there was an Algonquin Theatre and Main Street was the main street and that was it. My family always had a cottage there so, as soon as I had money, I bought my own. I even spend some time up there in the winter.”
Hearn’s appreciation for peace and quiet, not to mention the beauty that surrounds his Muskoka cottage, was the inspiration behind him writing Huntsville.ca, a song featured on his new album. To pay homage to a town he loves, he will be performing the song at the theatre on Aug. 12.
“I wasn’t going to call it Huntsville.ca because I didn’t feel it needed to be a certain place, but then I thought why not,” explains Hearn. “Anyone who lives in Huntsville knows it’s a different place in the winter than it is in the summer. I started the song based on the perspective of someone who lives there and sees the town change drastically from season to season. The third verse is about fair-weather friends when the weather is sunny and bright.”
Hearn has been part of the Barenaked Ladies since they formed 14 years ago. Over the years, he has also played on albums by CanRock royalty such as The Tragically Hip, Broken Social Scene and Ron Sexsmith. His solo CD has been defined as having the innocence of '60s pop and the wry wit of Randy Newman.
“I’m thrilled and very excited,” Hearn says of his upcoming show. “I really enjoy working with Hawksley and I’m grateful to him for extending an invitation to share the stage with him. Maybe now I’ll get recognized in Huntsville at last.”
Folk duo Dala return to the Algonquin Theatre, followed by taiko drummers
(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Aug. 5, 2009.)
Japanese taiko drums, tenor John McDermott round out week of entertainment.
Having performed on Huntsville’s Algonquin Theatre stage with Jim Cuddy, Stuart McLean and as part of the Neil Young: Borrowed Tunes tribute concert, the rapidly rising acoustic pop duo Dala returns Thursday, Aug. 6, as part of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts’ August lineup.
Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine of Dala (the name was formed by combining the two last letters of each artist’s name), have come a long way in a short time. The two best friends, who met in their high school music class and wrote their first song together in 2002, have since performed at Toronto’s legendary Massey Hall a total of six times. Darlings of the Canadian music scene, Dala are now poised to bring their fresh brand of acoustic pop music to the world.
Drawing upon influences such as the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Bob Dylan, Dala write songs that are both catchy and insightful. Walther’s ethereal soprano voice blends seamlessly with Carabine’s velvety alto, creating the lush harmonies that have become their trademark. The sheer joy with which they perform is infectious, turning first-time listeners into instant fans.
Dala have toured across Canada six times, opening for artists such as Jann Arden, Tom Cochrane, and Matthew Good. No strangers to the festival scene, they have also performed at the Edmonton Folk Festival, Mariposa and the Ottawa Folk Festival, among others. Most recently, they performed at the Newport Folk Fest, the only Canadian group invited, sharing the bill with Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan and Joan Baez.
Dala’s last two albums Angels and Thieves (2006) and Who Do You Think You Are (2007) earned them a total of four Canadian Folk Music Award nominations. Dala’s new album Everyone Is Someone is a wonderful journey for the listener, bringing together all the elements that set this talented duo apart.
On Friday night, the mesmerizing sound of Japanese drums will reverberate through the theatre as world-renowned percussionist Kiyoshi Nagata returns to Huntsville with his group Nagata Shachu. The group (formerly Kiyoshi Nagata Ensemble) has enthralled audiences with its captivating and heart-pounding performances of the Japanese drum (taiko) since its formation in 1998. The ensemble has toured widely throughout Canada, the U.S. and Italy performing in theatres, concert halls and at major music festivals.
While rooted in the folk drumming traditions of Japan, the group’s principal aim is to rejuvenate this ancient art form by producing innovative and exciting music that seeks to create a new voice for the taiko. Taking its name from founder Kiyoshi Nagata and shachu (an old term for a performing troupe), Nagata Shachu has become renowned for its exacting, straightforward yet physically demanding performances as well as for its diverse repertoire.
Combining thunderous, primal drumbeats with subtle, intricate rhythms, the ensemble is able to produce a wide spectrum of sound. Featuring a vast array of Japanese taiko (including the massive O-Daiko), gongs, bells, wooden clappers, shakers and bamboo flutes, Nagata Shachu will provide an unforgettable experience that is both powerful in expression and heartfelt in its sincerity.
Also this year, dancers from the Muskoka Dance Academy will dance to a couple of the group’s pieces. The concert is a fitting opening night to the annual Dragonboat races being held on Saturday, Aug. 8, at Avery Beach Park.
Closing out the weekend, on Aug. 8, is festival favourite John McDermott. McDermott has performed at the festival for the past five seasons and his concerts regularly sell out. Although tickets for this evening were still available at press time, concert-goers are encouraged to act fast so as not to be disappointed.
All the above shows are at the Algonquin Theatre commencing at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the Main Street box office, by calling 789-4975, or online at www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca.
Japanese taiko drums, tenor John McDermott round out week of entertainment.
Having performed on Huntsville’s Algonquin Theatre stage with Jim Cuddy, Stuart McLean and as part of the Neil Young: Borrowed Tunes tribute concert, the rapidly rising acoustic pop duo Dala returns Thursday, Aug. 6, as part of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts’ August lineup.
Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine of Dala (the name was formed by combining the two last letters of each artist’s name), have come a long way in a short time. The two best friends, who met in their high school music class and wrote their first song together in 2002, have since performed at Toronto’s legendary Massey Hall a total of six times. Darlings of the Canadian music scene, Dala are now poised to bring their fresh brand of acoustic pop music to the world.
Drawing upon influences such as the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Bob Dylan, Dala write songs that are both catchy and insightful. Walther’s ethereal soprano voice blends seamlessly with Carabine’s velvety alto, creating the lush harmonies that have become their trademark. The sheer joy with which they perform is infectious, turning first-time listeners into instant fans.
Dala have toured across Canada six times, opening for artists such as Jann Arden, Tom Cochrane, and Matthew Good. No strangers to the festival scene, they have also performed at the Edmonton Folk Festival, Mariposa and the Ottawa Folk Festival, among others. Most recently, they performed at the Newport Folk Fest, the only Canadian group invited, sharing the bill with Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan and Joan Baez.
Dala’s last two albums Angels and Thieves (2006) and Who Do You Think You Are (2007) earned them a total of four Canadian Folk Music Award nominations. Dala’s new album Everyone Is Someone is a wonderful journey for the listener, bringing together all the elements that set this talented duo apart.
On Friday night, the mesmerizing sound of Japanese drums will reverberate through the theatre as world-renowned percussionist Kiyoshi Nagata returns to Huntsville with his group Nagata Shachu. The group (formerly Kiyoshi Nagata Ensemble) has enthralled audiences with its captivating and heart-pounding performances of the Japanese drum (taiko) since its formation in 1998. The ensemble has toured widely throughout Canada, the U.S. and Italy performing in theatres, concert halls and at major music festivals.
While rooted in the folk drumming traditions of Japan, the group’s principal aim is to rejuvenate this ancient art form by producing innovative and exciting music that seeks to create a new voice for the taiko. Taking its name from founder Kiyoshi Nagata and shachu (an old term for a performing troupe), Nagata Shachu has become renowned for its exacting, straightforward yet physically demanding performances as well as for its diverse repertoire.
Combining thunderous, primal drumbeats with subtle, intricate rhythms, the ensemble is able to produce a wide spectrum of sound. Featuring a vast array of Japanese taiko (including the massive O-Daiko), gongs, bells, wooden clappers, shakers and bamboo flutes, Nagata Shachu will provide an unforgettable experience that is both powerful in expression and heartfelt in its sincerity.
Also this year, dancers from the Muskoka Dance Academy will dance to a couple of the group’s pieces. The concert is a fitting opening night to the annual Dragonboat races being held on Saturday, Aug. 8, at Avery Beach Park.
Closing out the weekend, on Aug. 8, is festival favourite John McDermott. McDermott has performed at the festival for the past five seasons and his concerts regularly sell out. Although tickets for this evening were still available at press time, concert-goers are encouraged to act fast so as not to be disappointed.
All the above shows are at the Algonquin Theatre commencing at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the Main Street box office, by calling 789-4975, or online at www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca.
Viewpoint: Jazz in the park was a real treat
(The following letter originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Aug. 5, 2009.)
What a treat to sit on the grass at River Mill Park on Saturday afternoon and enjoy excellent jazz entertainment under the new bandshell.
Then there was the last-minute addition of bass player Jamie Bestwick to the Herbie Koffman group, and you can add delight and pride in our home-grown talent to the experience. We were only disappointed in not being able to take in the many other excellent groups, something we hope to rectify next year.
Many thanks to everyone involved in creating and maintaining our beautiful new park; a special note of gratitude to the tireless members of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts and their sponsors, who continue to expand the venues of entertainment for the benefit of all.
George and Sheila Hoo
Huntsville
What a treat to sit on the grass at River Mill Park on Saturday afternoon and enjoy excellent jazz entertainment under the new bandshell.
Then there was the last-minute addition of bass player Jamie Bestwick to the Herbie Koffman group, and you can add delight and pride in our home-grown talent to the experience. We were only disappointed in not being able to take in the many other excellent groups, something we hope to rectify next year.
Many thanks to everyone involved in creating and maintaining our beautiful new park; a special note of gratitude to the tireless members of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts and their sponsors, who continue to expand the venues of entertainment for the benefit of all.
George and Sheila Hoo
Huntsville
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